Police: Suspect Indicted in Popeyes Killing, Robbery

A Baltimore man has been indicted in the fatal stabbing of a Laurel woman at a Popeyes restaurant.

A suspect was formally indicted last week after Luzviminda Monreal, 47, of Laurel was found dead in the back stock room of the Brooklyn Park Popeyes in the 5300 block of Ritchie Highway. Officers were called at 8:08 a.m. Aug. 31 after a manager found the body, according to a previous Patch story.

A state medical examiner determined Monreal died from multiple sharp force injuries.

Anne Arundel County Police say Monreal was stabbed at least 40 times, WBAL reports.

Police arrested Moises Gomez-Castillo, 26, of Baltimore on Sept. 1, according to Patch. Detectives say Gomez-Castillo had worked at the restaurant on and off for about seven years and allegedly pre-planned the robbery.

On Friday, Moises Gomez-Castillo, 26, of Baltimore was indicted for first-degree murder, armed robbery and theft charges connected to the case, according to WBAL. Surveillance footage and witnesses confirmed Gomez-Castillo was working the night of Monreal’s death.

“We believe the motive in this case was robbery,” police Lt. T.J. Smith told WBAL. “It appeared that the safe had been disturbed, and we believe that was his reason for killing our victim. It was a gruesome scene all over a few dollars. It was an absolutely senseless act.”

“Essentially he wanted to rob the place, he wanted to take the money and she was unfortunately in the way of him accomplishing that mission,” Smith said.

>>Moises Gomez-Castillo, 26, of Baltimore was indicted for first-degree murder, armed robbery and theft charges. Photo Credit: Anne Arundel County Police Department

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